All-women Ganga rafting team begins Patna-to-Farakka journey

In a landmark initiative championing women’s empowerment and the mission for a clean and pure Ganga, the all-women Ganga River rafting team, sponsored by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), reached Patna on December 3.
The 20-member team of women border guards, along with two Border Security Force (BSF) officers and support staff, began their 53-day adventure from Gangotri on November 2. The journey is set to conclude on 24 December 2024 in Gangasagar, West Bengal.
Continuing their voyage, the team departed from Patna on 5 December, heading towards Farakka in West Bengal.
They will traverse key locations along the way, including Bihar’s Mokama, Munger, Bhagalpur, and Jharkhand’s Sahibganj. They are expected to arrive at Farakka on 10 December.
Upon reaching Farakka, the team will be welcomed by senior officers of the District Administration and BSF South Bengal Frontier. An awareness program will follow, focusing on themes such as women empowerment, Ganga cleanliness, women’s health, and increased participation of women in adventure sports.
The expedition is divided into six zones, with Zone 6 being led by the BSF South Bengal Frontier. From December 5, the team will pass through Jangipur, Murshidabad, Plassey, Kalna, and Tribeni, reaching Kolkata on 18 December. Awareness programs highlighting women’s empowerment will be held in Farakka and Kolkata.
The expedition will conclude at West Bengal’s Kakdwip on December 22, followed by the team’s return to Kolkata for a grand flag-in ceremony at the Diamond Harbour on December 24.